Monday, November 05, 2007

Get Back to the Hippy Groove ... Roberto Cavalli S/S 08

"What happened to Roberto Cavalli?" A big question any Cavalli diehards would pop when witnessing his latest Spring/Summer runway show.

Yes, a big question indeed because gone were the sexy flesh-baring silhouettes but in are the vintage styles of the late 60's up to 70's. Even the trademark animal prints were not present in this season's collection. Is Mr. Cavalli heading for a big change in his fashion direction.

Anyway, as long as the name Roberto Cavalli stamped on the lineup, it always garnered nods from global fashionistas. Staged in Milan on a runway with backdrop of an Italian palazzo or the enchanting French Versailles complete with chandeliers, models strut their stuff in hairdos from the days of yore.

Of course, as the show kick-started, many were astounded and thought if the latest collection are not designed by the man himself but another designer secretly hired to conceive the collection. What a conspiracy thought!

To Cavalli girls who have always confident in baring their skin underneath Cavalli's scintillating yet provocative sheer chiffon pieces in the public or just by the infinity poolside, put those style aside as the designer is paying his homage to the hip and trendy vintage years of the 20's up to the late 70's.

It was the time when Farrah Fawcet and co. ruled the TV with Charlie's Angels or Sonny and Cher crooned "I Got You Babe" on their weekly-run TV show of the same name. The show opened with a model wearing a broderie anglaise maxi dress in white accompanied with white knitted shawl.

Folksy floral prints in psychedelic hues adorned much of the pieces, reminiscing back to the hippy 70's with fringes dangling on the hemlines. Though the silhouettes might be a little conservative and lessened sex appeal, Cavalli's trademark - sheer fabrics, are used liberally in this collection to add some sensual touch.

If trenches are usually dull and plain, then you may be delighted with Cavalli's reinterpretation of the outerwear - flower powered! A floral printed trench is what you may need to cheer your sombre Spring days up and it is best worn over a floral printed 70's dress.

Also taking the centerstage is the wide-legged dungarees in violet prints, worn over sheer printed top with long sculpted sleeves, wide-legged pants in shiny floral prints, flouncy semi-sheer floral printed tunic and goddess evening dress with painted hem and ruched bust.

For those who are seeking for extreme styling, the fowl feather jacket is a must wear of the season. For accessories, the long-strap handbags in violet floral print and multiple strap platform heels are in at Roberto Cavalli.

Roberto Cavalli's Spring/Summer 2008 collection will be in stores early next year at Roberto Cavalli boutiques and selected retailers worldwide. At the moment, indulge in Roberto Cavalli's one-off capsule collection for H&M, available at select H&M stores around the globe.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira for Style.com/Vogue

Roberto Cavalli - 122B, Ground Floor, Plaza Senayan, Jalan Asia Afrika, No.8, Gelora Bung Karno-Senayan, Jakarta Pusat 10270, Indonesia.

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